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Planning Busy Activities for Toddlers During Homeschool

When I first started homeschooling, I could not imagine what I would do with the other children while I focused on a child’s lessons. Now, I realize that the best thing to do with those littles is to have them learning right beside their older siblings. Of course, having an abundance of ideas (or a closet full of educational toys) available to keep the young children busy is always helpful.

Planning for homeschooling with young children

My mother taught me a valuable lesson early in my parenthood: Keep excess toys in the closet and rotate. Each time you pull something from the closet, the child will act like they have a new toy.

So, I keep everything under lock & key. Not really, but I do have a child-safe spinner on the closet door.

When it is time to settle around the table for school time, I start the younger children with a stack of worksheets that I have printed. One day, they will use Do-A-Dots. The next day, washable markers. Dry erase on page protectors. Crayons. Water and paint brushes. Chalk. ROTATE.

Next, I pull two or three educational toys from the closet. We never get rid of an educational toy and after nine years, we have a nice collection. ROTATE. (Note: If you are thinking about the expense, just keep a running wish list and when someone inquires about what to buy your child for a birthday or Christmas, mention a few from your list.)

Finally, I have one or two skilled activities available. Sometimes, when I need to spend time specifically with one child, I can have the other older sibling work with the youngers to accomplish these projects. I am willing to bet that you have enough stuff in your home already that you could put enough projects together for a week. ROTATE.

Busy activities with items you (probably) have already

NOTE: As you well know, tiny objects should be kept away from young children. Small + small = BIG trouble. Not all of these activities will apply to all ages. Please use your own discretion when selected games for your child and keep a watchful eye.

Our favorite busy (but educational) toys

I love collecting educational toys and games and stashing them in our hall closet for those moments during homeschool when I need extra time with one of the children. This is a double blessing when it comes to the littles since they can only have their pick from the closet during school.

About Tabitha

Hi! I'm Tabitha! But I bet you expected someone named "Penny." Long story made short, Penny is the coupon binder I started when our family committed to living a frugal lifestyle in 2010. Yes, with four children in the house, we have to watch our budget, and I'm not always great at being a good steward. But, I'm hoping that by visiting me here at Meet Penny, you will learn from my mistakes as we strive to raise a family with sense on cents.